I bought one for my daughter's college club hockey team, she runs it, makes a few dollars sharpening everyone's skates and everybody is happy. The machine is easy to use once you read the directions and watch the video's. IF you have 2 or more skater's than this will pay for itself over one season. Can't beat the convenience.
I actually split the cost with a friend. Within the first month the motor went and it had to be returned. Sparx gave us a new motor in 3 days and we have not had a problem since. Wheels last about 2 months and cost 60.00. Product works great and we love having it.
I have had mine for over a year. the consistency you get is unmatched. Super convenient as I can run it before any practice or game. The only drawback (very minor) is they no longer carry the cross grind wheel. If there is a deep nick you have to run the wheel over multiple times to get the edge clean. Doesn't happen often though. The major cost savings to me is the time I dont waste going to the shop to do it.
The Sparx is very consistent and convenient. No cross grind wheel is no big deal, because at $50 for the wheel versus the limited occasions you would use it, it wasn't worth it anyways. For those times, just pay the $7 to have them done at a customary skate sharpening shop. But, my kids are a Pee Wee and U14 playing club hockey and this has not be necessary.
The Sparx is very consistent and convenient. No cross grind wheel is no big deal, because at $50 for the wheel versus the limited occasions you would use it, it wasn't worth it anyways. For those times, just pay the $7 to have them done at a customary skate sharpening shop. But, my kids are a Pee Wee and U14 playing club hockey and this has not be necessary.
We have used them both and ProSharp is much better.
My son plays town C minor and this has been a great investment for us. He refuses to get dressed at the rink and dosent use skate guards so the walk from and to the parking lot do a job on his edges.